Chapter Text
Nico Robin was a smart woman. She was thoughtful, observant, and she liked the simpler things in life, like a good book or a nice cup of coffee as she watched the sunrise. She didn't need other people's approval of what she did or who she associated with, and certainly didn't need a man to tell her any differently.
So why couldn't she bring herself to leave her boyfriend of almost a decade? She had to admit, she thought he was rather handsome when they first met, and still is, with his long black mane, tall and slender, but muscular physique, nice blue eyes, and not too much facial hair. He was always well dressed too, thanks to his high paying job as the vice president of his father’s marketing company. At first he seemed caring, and sweet. He was always so attentive, and made sure she had everything she needed, even if some of the gifts he got her weren't really her taste. He even went all out on her birthday or their anniversary, with private reservations at high class restaurants, and extravagant parties, even though she always politely protested.
She couldn't complain though, she was grateful he took care of her the way that he did, and still appreciated everything he gave her.
Especially after the childhood she had.
Orphaned at only 8 years old, Robin had to go live with her uncle, from her mother's side of the family. She lived with him and his family until she graduated high school, subject to her aunt's physical, mental, and verbal abuse. She was forced to do all the chores when she was done with her homework, and for most of the day on weekends, while her cousin had no responsibilities at all.
Whenever Robin finally got some free time or could sneak away for a while, she always went to the local playground to go see her best friend Nami and hang out with their group of friends. They played pirates there when they were young, snuck out at night to have little parties there when they were teenagers, and Robin and Nami always met there whenever one of them was going through something tough and they needed to talk. The playground was their safe haven. They all stayed close friends throughout school and into their adult lives, though they didn't hang out nearly as much anymore. They were more family to her than anyone else.
Then, she met Rob Lucci, her current boyfriend, in her junior year of college.
Robin was studying to be an archeologist, since she had a passion for history and travel. Lucci was studying for his business degree so he could make his way up in his father's company. He worked hard for what he had to impress his father, since he was adopted. His younger brother, Spandam, unexpectedly came along by birth after Lucci was adopted, so he felt he needed to compete for acceptance. He never settled for the mundane and, sure he was a bit cold and reserved at times, but he was calm, collected, and Robin saw that he took care of those he loved.
When Rob Lucci first laid eyes on Nico Robin, he knew he just had to have her.
One sunny day, Robin was sitting in the campus courtyard under her favorite tree studying for her next exam. She had her earbuds in, humming to herself while nibbling on a small sandwich she packed as a study snack. She was perfectly content until a skinny, lavender-haired man waltzed up.
“Hello Nico Robin,” he sneered, interrupting her relaxing afternoon. She set her sandwich down and took one of her earbuds out. “Would you be interested in going on a date with me?” He ran a hand through his greasy hair and shot her a slimy grin.
“You certainly didn’t waste a minute getting to the point this time,” she shot back, not looking up from her book. Robin was already impatient at his mere presence, after all the time he's harassed her enough trying to ask her out. No matter how many times she declined, he just wouldn't leave her alone. She tried being polite in the beginning, but after the first 5 times of him trying and campus security escorting him out of her dorm room once(somehow, he managed to sneak in before she even got back from classes), she quit trying to be so nice. He hadn't been harmful until now, but it was nothing she couldn't handle, despite her friend Luffy’s offer to beat him up for her. He was always so protective of their group growing up. She may not always resort to violence, but at least she knew she could always count on her friends. She put her book down, barely turning her head to look at him. “What part of ‘I’m not interested’ did you not understand, Spandam?”
“Oh come on, don't be such a smartass Robin, it's not very ladylike. Besides, you can only say ‘no’ so many times before you finally give in. Especially when I can take us to wherever you wish to be for our first date! Money is no object for me! We shall eat the finest food, enjoy the finest scenery, and I can make sure you receive only the most beautiful gifts!” he proclaimed.
“It's still a ‘No’ Spandam, and I'm growing very tired of you asking over and over. Now stop asking me or I'll have to file a restraining order. My friend’s grandfather is a cop, so it wouldn't be a difficult process.” she told him as she lifted her book back to her face.
He stared at her with disbelief, mouth agape, before he stuttered, “W-w-we have a couple of classes together, don't you think a restraining order is a bit of an inconvenience?” He tried his best to regain composure and sound cocky by the end of his sentence, but it was no use.
“I would hardly call that an inconvenience, when I'm the one trying to focus on my studies,” she said as she glanced back at him. “Besides, they can just change our classes around so that you never have to come across my path, and if you violate that restraining order I can have you arrested.” Spandam continued to stare, a flicker of defeat in his eyes. “It sounds like a much more civil way to handle things, instead of something more gruesome like say, using knowledge from my karate lessons to snap your spine in half.” She continued nonchalantly, putting her earbuds back in.
The next thing Robin knew, Spandam caught her wrist and got so close to her face she could smell his disgusting breath. “I can have whatever I want, whenever I want it! For me to ask for your permission is just a courtesy, and I will not stand for your disrespect! Do you not realize who I am? I can make your life a living hell! Now you will obey me! I will take what I want from you and I’ll be the one to decide when it's ov–”
Before he could finish his last sentence, he was jerked back by his collar by a tall dark haired man with a low ponytail, wearing a black button up shirt, white tie, and dress pants. Robin recognized him as one of the seniors, a grade above her. He was always so well dressed, as if he were on his way to the office. “Spandam! You do not speak to women that way, and you certainly won't get anything you want in life by acting as vile as that!” the senior growled in his face.
“Lucci you put me down now! Errgh- let- GO!” he shouted, squirming mid-air in his grip. Lucci promptly dropped him to the ground. Spandam scrambled to his feet, crying out, “Father will hear about this when I get home! He won't be happy with how you just man-handled me!”
“Go ahead and tell him, and while you're at it, tell him why I had to physically pull you off of a woman you were threatening in plain sight of everyone on campus! You know how he feels about bad publicity!” Lucci called out to him, as Spandam stomped away huffing and puffing, and grumbling to himself. He turned to Robin, “Sorry about my little brother, he's a spoiled brat, but he doesn't know any better, given how he was raised. I take it you're Nico Robin? My name is Rob Lucci.” He held out his hand to her.
Robin stared at him. He has such nice blue eyes she thought. Slowly, she took his hand. Standing, she replied, “Yes, I'm Nico Robin. You two are brothers? You look nothing alike.”
“Well, I was adopted first before my parents had him. My mother wasn't supposed to have kids, but as you can see, that didn't stop him.” He gestured toward where his brother marched off.
“Yes, I can see that. It's such a shame that he turned out to be so obnoxious.” she giggled.
“That was largely our parents’ doing.” He responded. “When we were young they always pit us against each other, so our father could tell who was more worthy to take over his company when we were old enough. But they always favored him more than me, probably because he was their own flesh and blood. Our father was always proud of how much I could accomplish, so I kept working hard. Spandam had it easy and only had to worry about keeping up appearances. He got in trouble for the same reasons as I did, just not as much. We were both raised to get results and always be presentable and well mannered. I guess they were more strict with me because I wasn't the same as them. But I don't let it bother me, I know our father will still choose me in the end. I can keep up appearances better than that brat can, for one.” He paused, realizing he started rambling. “Sorry,” he scratched the back of his head, “I don't mean to over share.”
“Don’t be, I don't mind.” she chuckled. “I'm sorry you had such a rough childhood. Mine probably wasn't as glamorous, but I had a similar upbringing as well. My parents died in a house fire when I was young, so I had to go live with my aunt and uncle. They always treated me like trash, and made sure their daughter was always on a pedestal. I was older than her too, so I was first to start doing chores and they just never made her do any since they had me around. I could always escape to go see my friends though, when I was done with whatever daily duties they had listed for me. I was lucky to still have my friends by my side through everything. I'm still friends with them to this day even.” She looked up to the birds flying in the sky, “So,” she began after a pause, “I'm guessing your brother has mentioned me before?”
Lucci chuckled at her. “Yes, more than a few times. He goes on a rant everyday about how you always turn him down and that one day you'll agree to go out with him whether you like it or not. I never saw it as harmful, he’s always been like an insect. Today, I just so happened to be on my way to my next class when I heard his loud screeching again. When I looked over, I thought you must've been who he was always talking about, and it seemed like the situation needed diffusing before things got ugly.”
Robin's mouth turned up at the corners and she took his hand to shake it. “Well, thank you very much, Rob Lucci. I guess I owe you a favor sometime.”
Lucci shook her hand and smiled at her, “Would you like to get something to eat? Something more filling than a sandwich?” He nodded toward the snack she previously laid on her backpack.
Robin looked back down at her half sandwich and small bag of baked potato chips. “I guess with a proper meal, I could focus better on my studying. That would be lovely, thank you.” she grinned, turning to bend down and gather her belongings.
“No, let me carry this for you. It seems you've struggled enough for one afternoon, anyway.” Lucci bent down to pick up her things before she could.
“I can carry them myself, it's no trouble.” she chuckled.
“Don't worry,” he insisted, hoisting her backpack over his shoulder, “I'll take care of it. As long as I'm around, you won't have to lift a finger.”
She smiled politely and accepted his offer saying, “Thank you again, Rob Lucci. You have my gratitude.”
It’s been 9 years since then and things are so different than they used to be. When Robin graduated, Lucci, who already graduated the year before and started working for his father's company, had convinced her not to sign up for any upcoming expeditions just yet, and spend more time together before she was gone all the time for work. Now, she works part time at the bookstore, to keep busy during the day while Lucci is at work. Instead of traveling the world and finding out about the history of various lost tribes and other ancient civilizations, she traveled the country with Lucci and his business entourage, mostly for meetings or something that would benefit the company. She always kept her books with her when they did go on trips. They provided an escape for her while she was waiting on Lucci to get out of meetings with his coworkers while they were out, since the trips were mostly for business anyway. She never wanted to be in a lot of places they had to go, but she was supporting him in his career just like she thought he would for her. Sure she hadn’t left yet, and she still needed to talk to him about signing up for a new expedition soon (she kept in touch with the coordinator of those trips), but that was her decision. Not his. She was the one who decided to put her dreams on hold to support him through his stress and show how grateful she was that he gave her so much love and care. Not him.
But lately (over the past couple of years) Lucci had been short with her most of the time, forgetful of occasional dates they’d planned, and he was becoming increasingly busy with work and meetings with his coworkers. What was once quiet, peaceful evenings around their shared apartment, turned into noisy nights, arguing over little things, like how there was too much salt in the dinner she made, or that she didn't want to go to bed when he did and she wanted to read instead. She was grateful, but she knew some things shouldn't have been that big of a deal, so she tried her best not to let him forget who he was talking to, while trying to reason with him on a proper solution. She didn't always argue back, though, because most times she knew it was pointless. It was like arguing with a brick wall. These days, she had given up trying to convince him to calm down about minor things like that. What she did now was mostly just let him blow off his steam in whatever way he needed to and left him alone until he was in a better mood. He would always cool down on his own anyway. She still loved him, and at least he didn't get that way all the time. She could handle that much. What kind of woman would she be if she just left him over stuff they could've worked on? She wasn't the type not to put her all into something she cared about so much.
Her life and where she thought she was headed, isn’t the only thing that’s changed, though. Lucci was always sort of cold towards most others, but never to Robin, at first. He always treated her well, and with complete respect, and even more so around his family. She knew he was grateful to have her and that he wanted to show them how proud he was to have such a smart, patient, understanding, and mature woman in his life. It certainly made his father proud, too (it was good for the company’s image, and according to him, a good image means good business).
But even their sex life, which was once spontaneous and hot, was now routine and more for his pleasure than hers. She found herself not really caring about that after a while, she just wanted to do what she could to ease his stress, and make him happy. He always blamed his behavior on stress from work and the pressures of learning to run the company on his own one day.
With every year that passed it became far too often that she felt alone and neglected, or at times, physically mistreated. The only reason she could stay and forgive him was because he would always make up for it and apologize (though it was less immediate overtime), and he always seemed very regretful and sincere when he did. He knew the past she had, and she knew he didn’t want to put her through that trauma again. Or so she believed.
Robin sat alone on the couch, in the penthouse Lucci bought for them, drinking her favorite tea while she waited for him to come home from what was probably another stressful day at work. She was hoping he wouldn’t be too tired or aggravated to discuss her wanting to sign up for the next archeological expedition, finally. She felt that she had stayed long enough, and that she should get a move on before the expedition coordinator quit holding out hope that one day she’d finally join them. She didn’t want them to think she wasn’t serious about this. She always had to give them excuses about why Lucci needed her here and that she couldn’t go just yet. It almost felt like he never wanted her to leave in the first place. But she knew better than that. It wasn’t entirely his fault that he didn’t have the energy or the time to discuss her leaving.
For a while now, he has needed her here. He didn’t want to be alone while work was so intense. He promised her he would be fine after work let up. Before, his role in the company was demanding, and it took a lot out of him. He worked hard for her, so she wouldn’t be pushy about it. She respected him, and understood what he had to deal with. It wasn’t important enough to keep bugging him about it all the time anyway. She wasn’t in a rush. She had time. But now, he had been given a promotion recently and didn’t have the same responsibilities anymore, “overseeing” more than actually “doing”. Therefore, he wouldn’t be so exhausted all the time and shouldn’t be as stressed, right?
Standing at the kitchen sink, Robin was emptying her teacup when she heard the lock click and the doorknob on the front door started to turn. Lucci strode in, exhaustion on his face, carrying his suitcase and keys in one hand, and holding his dark grey blazer over his shoulder with the other, his hair already down from its usual low ponytail and all disheveled. She practically held her breath while she waited for the right time to talk to him. She could sense his irritation already, but she didn't give up hope that he may still be open to hearing her out. He hung the keys on the key hook by the door, trudged over to the couch and plopped down, dropping his suitcase and blazer on either side of him. He slumped forward, resting his elbows on his knees and rubbing his temples. Closing his eyes, he finally spoke, “Make me a drink babe.” He paused, then added, “Please.” If she didn't know any better, she’d think he’d almost forgotten to use his manners.
“Sure honey, no problem.” she sweetly replied, setting her rinsed cup on the towel laying under the drying rack. She reached out for the cabinets to grab a whiskey glass and his favorite bottle. After getting some ice out of the freezer, she dropped a couple pieces in his glass, then asked, “So how was work today?”
“Work.” he responded monotonously. He clearly wasn't interested in revisiting his memories of the day. She didn't bother asking him to elaborate anymore. Not like she used to.
Robin finished pouring his glass at the bar in the kitchen, and walked around the counter to the living room, stopping behind the couch. Reaching around him, she handed Lucci both his glass and the whiskey bottle. He took the glass from her with one hand and the bottle with the other, setting the latter on the coffee table in front of him. She rested her hands on each of his shoulders as he sat back up against the couch and started massaging them, hoping it would ease his tension. He slowly leaned his head back, eyes closed again, trying to soak in the relief. “Is there anything I can do to help you relax?” she asked instead.
******
Eyelids parting open, Lucci reached up with his free hand and grabbed Robin’s wrist to gently guide her around the front of the couch to him. “You can get on your knees.” He said, a smirk spreading across his previously irritated expression. After setting his glass down on the coffee table, he slouched back on the couch a little more, unbuttoned his dark grey slacks, unzipped the zipper and scooted the waistband of his pants down just below his erection.
Robin obeyed without hesitation. Of course she thought, not surprised at his request. She was used to him wanting to get some nearly everyday after he got home from work, and even most mornings too, beforehand. She knelt down in front of him and took his length in her hand, stroking it gently. He looked down at her expectantly and she leaned forward to put her mouth around his tip, sliding her lips down as far as she could go, before gliding them back up, not breaking eye contact. He exhaled an exhausted sigh as she did so, closing his eyes again to relish in the feeling of her hot, wet mouth around his throbbing, hard cock. He put his hand on the back of her head and guided it up and down, and up and down.
After a few minutes Robin's jaw started to get tired and she started gagging around his stiffness. She paused for a moment to look up at him. Wiping her mouth she asked, "Would you like to go to the room?”
“Go.” he ordered, releasing her hair. And she obeyed. She got up and turned to head towards their bedroom, and Lucci smacked her ass as she left. She didn't mind if he got a little demanding, she already made it clear she kind of liked that from him during sex, and he had no problem taking advantage of that. It came naturally to him anyway. He followed her to the room, as if he were stalking his prey, and quickly shut the door behind him once they were both inside. He walked right up to Robin, who was already standing at the foot of the bed, lifted her chin to kiss her fiercely for a moment, and swiftly turned her around to face the bed. “Bend over.” he ordered again, as he put his hand on her back to guide her down.
Once again, she complied, happy to get him into a better mood and get this over with. She rested her elbows on the bed as he lifted her short, casual dark green dress and pulled down her skin tight, black shorts underneath. That was his favorite way to look at her while he fucked her. He always was more of an ass guy anyway. He removed his work clothes until he was completely naked standing behind her. Stroking his length, he caressed her cheeks and stared greedily down at them, giving them another smack, as if to prep them for what he was about to do. After guiding his tip up and down her slit to moisten himself, he shoved his hardness into her core with an almost angry force. At first his strokes were slow, deliberate. Then, after a few times he started to pick up the pace, grunting every other time he went back in.
It took about 10 minutes before he was done, and after he finally came, he slowed to a halt, standing there, coming down from his high, not pulling out yet. Robin waited for him to step back and grab a towel from their bathroom. He wiped himself off before handing it to her.
She reached out to grab the towel from him and proceeded to clean herself up a bit as he turned and walked back to the bathroom.
******
“You need to get yourself ready, we're going out tonight.” Lucci informed her.
“Oh? Where to?” she asked, throwing the towel in the dirty clothes basket.
“Blueno’s.” he answered shortly, turning on the water for the shower.
“The bar?” She knows he usually meets up with his coworkers there to discuss marketing strategies over a few drinks. Robin doesn't always tag along, since she doesn't really prefer the bar scene, but she doesn't mind spending the time with him. Especially if he wanted her there bad enough to insist she come with him. She could tolerate most of his “work friends” enough for that. “I assume you have more tactics to discuss about your latest client's ad campaign?” she added.
“Of course, what else?” He responded curtly, opening the shower door.
“Nothing.” she sighed, “I guess I was just making conversation.”
“Mmh”
“Hey, baby?”
“What?”
“Do you think we could talk about me signing up for an upcoming expedition? I've been keeping in touch with the coordinator and–”
“Can it wait ‘till later?”
“Sure… it's just that they're going to the ancient city of Ohara in 3 months–”
“Babe, I said, can we talk about it later?”
“Okay baby.”
I'll get another chance later, I'm sure. He’ll be fine with me going at this point, I don't know why I'm worried about it.
Robin opted to pick out her clothes for the night and have them ready while she waited for Lucci to finish his shower. She didn't bother jumping in with him anymore since he always hogged the water and pretty much made her stand there while he showered. After about 15 minutes Robin finally decided it would be best if she wore her collared, long sleeved black leather dress that zipped down the front, white spotted blouse underneath, and her favorite pair of matching, black thigh high boots. It was one of her favorite outfits, and she knew Lucci liked the way she looked in it too.
After Lucci stepped out of the shower Robin hopped in after him to get herself cleaned quickly, leaving her choice outfit on the bed. Once done, she dried off, got dressed and brushed out her hair. She didn't bother using a hair dryer, since she preferred to let her hair air dry. She didn't wear a lot of makeup, so it didn't take her long to finish getting ready. After adding the finishing touches to her mascara, she grabbed a book, her purse, and her phone and she was ready to go.
Lucci wore his white suit and black tie for the evening. It was his go-to suit, and he thought it was a more “professional” look than his others. After making a quick call to one of his coworkers, they headed out the door.
They rode down the building’s elevator and walked outside to Robin's silver Mercedes Benz that Lucci bought her a couple years ago for her birthday. Lucci preferred to drive rather than let her do it whenever they went somewhere together. He liked to be the driver in a vehicle rather than a passenger. She didn't mind much, she could relax and watch the scenery, since she couldn't read while riding, unfortunately. She always got carsick after a few sentences and she absolutely hated it.
After a few minutes of silence, other than the radio playing softly in the background, she decided to try asking again.
“So do you think we could talk about me going on the Ohara expedition? I think it's been long enough now, that I really should be starting my career officially so I can put my degree to use.” she reasoned.
Lucci exhaled a deep sigh, followed by, “Can we discuss this when I'm not dealing with work? We're almost at the bar and we don't have time for this conversation. A topic like this deserves my complete attention.”
“It shouldn't take that much focus, I've already let you know the most important parts of the situation: The expedition is in 3 months, and it's in Ohara. That's just one flight away from here. Besides, I don't want to keep stringing the expedition group along with whether or not I'll be coming on the next trip. I don't want them to take back their offer to let me come along as soon as I'm able.” she reasoned.
“Don’t be ridiculous, they won't prevent you from going there with them when you're so qualified. You have plenty of time to join other groups on other trips. There's no rush.” He countered, not taking his eyes off the road.
“I know it's not likely, but it's not impossible either. I just feel like this is the trip I need to start my career with. You know I have a genetic connection with Ohara. I would really love to learn about the civilization my ancestors are from, firsthand.” she defended.
“Yes, I remember,” he responded, irritation rising in his voice, “but right now, as I’ve said, I have other important things to worry about and I don't need that to worry about too!”
“But–”
“I said NOT NOW!” He whipped his head to glare at her, making his point.
Robin accepted defeat for now, not wanting to get into another screaming match on the ride over. Lucci had enough road rage as it was. “Alright.” she mumbled, resting her chin on her hand and staring out the window.
Once they arrived at the bar, Lucci escorted Robin inside and to the back where the VIP section was, which was roped off from the rest of the place. The interior was nice for a bar. It had a sleek dark counter where the bartender, Blueno himself stood behind, modern bar stools to match, and several stand up, and sit down tables scattered with the night’s guests coming and going throughout the place, with lights flashing all kinds of colors all over the room to the beat of whatever music was playing. There was a room separated from the main area by a wide archway, with a couple of pool tables, but nothing too big, and even one of those new age jukeboxes on the wall by the hallway leading to the bathrooms.
Robin sat down on the black curved couch in this secluded area, and took a book out of her purse to read while Lucci headed to the bar to order a couple of drinks. She didn't care for, nor did she bother paying attention to whatever business conversations Lucci and his coworkers had when they went out and she had to tag along. None of it interested her that much, and she only looked up from her book whenever someone was speaking to her or if she needed to get up and go to the bathroom. As soon as she opened her book, a woman with short, wavy blonde hair, bright blue eyes and pink lips, sat down a couple cushions away from Robin, followed by a taller, also blonde, short haired man who sat right in between them.
Robin closed her book and put it back down in her lap. “Hello, Stussy. Kaku.” she nodded in their direction.
“Hello Robin!” Stussy responded, “It's good to see you again.” Stussy swung both of her legs up to Kaku, his arms draped across the back of the leather couch, and propped her feet up across his lap.
“You as well.” Robin replied back. “How has work been lately? Lucci said you were all taking on this new, big client. It's supposed to be huge for the company.”
“Ooh, yes! We've been super busy trying to come up with an ad campaign to help them sell their new product.” Stussy leaned forward closer to Robin, covering her mouth on the side so other people outside their little area couldn't hear. “It's for the famous actress, Boa Hancock.” she whispered, then exclaimed “She's come out with a new perfume and we get to be the ones to come up with an ad for it!”
“Stussy! Lower your voice!” Kaku hissed. “You gotta be careful how loud you get when you're excited, babe. Not everyone here needs to know about it yet.”
“I'm sorry baby.” She leaned up to grab his head and kissed his neck. “I'll be more careful.” she moaned into his ear. “So,” she turned back to Robin, “ are Jabra and Kalifa almost here?”
“I assume so. Lucci called them before we headed out, so they shouldn't be that far behind.” Robin surmised.
“Great! I'm ready to start brainstorming! I’ve got all kinds of amazing ideas!” She said enthusiastically.
As if on cue, the bar door opened and a woman with shoulder length, blonde hair with highlights, glasses and a black, shirt sleeved dress and fishnets walks in, followed by a man with a low ponytail and black pointed goatee to match, shades perched on top of his head. The couple made their way past the bar, waving to Lucci as they passed by, and over to the back where the rest of the group was sitting.
“Speak of the devils! I’ve been dying to get started! I love going out to talk shop, you know. I always get my best ideas when I’m relaxed and having fun!” Stussy cheered, swinging her legs down and getting up to greet them. She gave Jabra a quick hug and took both of Kalifa’s hands in hers, giving her a peck on each cheek. They all sat down on the couch, Stussy, resuming her previous position, and Kalifa and Jabra sitting on her other side, Jabra’s arm wrapped around Kalifa’s shoulders. She flicked Jabra’s hand off of her, nose scrunched, saying, “Not now, I’m not in the mood.” He said a quick, “Okay.” throwing his hands up in mock defense, and leaned back with his arms crossed.
“Hello, Kalifa. Jabra.” Robin spoke, acknowledging them both politely.
“Robin.” Kalifa deadpanned.
“Hey, Robin.” Jabra greeted.
Robin was saved from needing to participate in pointless smalltalk in order to be polite by Lucci coming back with a bottle of bourbon and a tray of glasses with ice for everyone. He sat the tray on the small table in front of them and started pouring everyone a drink, handing a glass to each of them. Robin took hers first, and thanked him, taking a sip as he handed out the rest. Everyone took their drinks and thanked him one by one, before Lucci spoke, “Alright, we have a new client that needs our help getting the word out for their new product, and convincing people to buy it, obviously.” He took a swallow from his glass. “They entrusted us, because they only accept the best, and we are the best marketing company in this country. What are some ideas we have to promote this new product?”
Stussy shot up her hand and started rambling out her fountain of ideas, and that was Robin’s cue to tune out and pick up her book again. Though it was a bit noisy, she didn’t have a hard time ignoring it and focusing on her book, as long as she brought one of her favorite, captivating fantasy novels. She found it much easier to get lost in those books in this type of scenery, than a history book or something educational. The worlds there were so much better than the real world and she would eat up every word, especially the steamy romance parts. She was a romantic at heart, but she was also a realist. She knew everyone didn’t get the kind of love that all the books or songs always described. She was content with what she and Lucci shared. They had a relationship built on trust and understanding one another’s past. It could be worse, and she was grateful. He took care of her.
After a few chapters, and finishing her small glass of bitter alcohol, Robin put her book back in her purse, hoisted it over her shoulder and stood up. Everyone stopped talking and she looked at Lucci and said, “I’m just going to the bathroom.” She walked around the table, past him, saying, “Excuse me everyone, no need to stop on my account.” Stussy got up and followed.
“Wait, I'll come with you!” she said, and Robin stopped. “I’ve already had a couple drinks myself and I really need to pee now, anyway. Come on, Kalifa. Come with us!” she added, stopping in front of her and tugging her hands from her lap.
“Fine, if it’ll shut you up. I guess I could freshen up anyway.” Kalifa responded with an aggravated sigh. She grabbed her purse and reluctantly followed the other two girls to the bathroom. Stussy turned around and waved to the guys, using a cheery, singsong voice telling them that they’d be right back. Robin was the first to walk into the bathroom, but as soon as she made it through the door, Stussy burst in behind her and rushed to the nearest open stall, slamming it shut. Not even 3 seconds later, the sound of her relief echoed off the walls, followed by a “sorry”, and the excuse of it not hitting her that bad until she got up. Robin had to suppress a giggle at how funny she thought it was.
By the time Robin was done in her stall, Stussy was already up at the counter, fixing her make-up with Kalifa. Another two girls came into the bathroom and went into stalls. Robin washed her hands and Stussy asked, “So, Robin, are you having a good time? I’m sorry if it seems we never talk casually when we’re out, we just always have to get through the business talk before we do anything else. You know how Lucci is.” she added, applying a new coat of pink lipstick and smacking her lips together with a “pop”.
“Yes, I do, and I’m alright. I have my book with me. It’s more than enough entertainment to get me through being here.” Robin answered. “Though, I could use a sweeter drink," she admitted.
“If you ask me, we should be back at the office. I think we’d be more productive there. There’d be less distractions.” Kalifa added with annoyance, ignoring what Robin said.
Stussy turned her head to Kalifa after fixing her hair and adjusting her white, strapless mini dress with pink trim. “Oh, come on, Kalifa, relax! Why do you have to be so serious all the time?”, she begged. “You might even come up with better ideas!”
“My ideas are just fine.”
“You’re right, but still, it’s no good for anyone to be so tense all the time. You should really get Jabra to help you relax better in the bedroom.” she advised. The two random girls had finished washing their hands and hurried out of the bathroom to escape eavesdropping on their conversation.
Kalifa opened her mouth in shock, but before she could retort back, Stussy turned to Robin and said, “Anyways, why don’t we go over to the bar and order us a couple of girly drinks? Come on, ladies!” She grabbed both girls by their arms and marched them out of the bathroom and over to the bar.
They each grabbed a seat and Stussy took out her phone to text Kaku that they were getting a couple drinks first. Robin sat on the left, Stussy in the middle, and Kalifa on the right. She turned around and waved over the crowd at him when she caught his eye, then turned back at the bar to get Blueno’s attention and ordered a bloody mary. “Mmmm, I love those so much. I simply can’t resist them!”
Blueno handed her the drink, and asked, “ Lucci’s tab?” They come here all the time for a regular meeting spot. Blueno used to work at the company with them, but he retired, seeking less stress, and decided to open up a bar to fill his time. He, of course, welcomed Lucci and the others to come here to conduct their business meetings whenever they needed it. The VIP section was, in fact, created just for them.
“Yep, it’s on him tonight.” Stussy responded matter of factly. She grabbed her drink and took a sip while Kalifa ordered a strawberry daiquiri. Turning around on her stool, elbows resting behind her on the counter, Stussy noticed someone walking over. “Uh-oh, warning ladies. Wishful thinker incoming, 3 o’clock. Prepare to fire.” she said comically.
A cheerful young man in a penguin hat strode over to them with a smile. He stopped behind them at the bar. “Hello, ladies.” Robin and Kalifa both turned around to see who the poor guy was. He bowed, but his hat almost dropped on the floor and he quickly stood up clasping a hand on his head to keep it from falling to the ground. He stepped closer to Kalifa. “Hey beautiful, how about I give you a kiss, and if you don’t like it, you can return it.” He thought using a charming grin and wiggling his eyebrows up and down would seal the deal. Robin covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, Stussy continued to sip her drink and observe.
Kalifa stared blankly at him, unamused at his poor attempt at a pick up line. “That’s sexual harassment.” she simply stated, adjusting the glasses on her face. She was about to shoot him down without mercy when Blueno cleared his throat behind them to catch their attention. Kalifa turned and he offered her the daiquiri she ordered asking, “This guy bothering you?”
Stussy spoke up, waving her hand, “No, no, it’s okay. We can handle this guy.” Blueno nodded and turned to take another order from down the bar.
The guy in the penguin hat opened his mouth to say something else, but Kalifa just got up from her stool with her drink and handed it to Stussy. “Would you take my drink back over there with you?” she gestured toward the VIP section where all the guys were sitting. “I’m heading back to the ladies room.”
“Fine, but you really should have peed when we were in there the first time!”, she called after her. Kalifa just ignored her and disappeared into the crowd.
Stussy turned to the penguin hat guy, “Sorry hun, us ladies are taken. You’re better off looking elsewhere tonight.” she said, a tone of pity in her voice. The poor guy smiled sadly, thanking her for being honest, and turned to go back to wherever he came from. Robin felt bad for him, but she mentally wished him luck in his endeavors. Stussy turned to Robin. “Alright girlie, I’m gonna head back over there with the guys. You gonna be okay here by yourself?”
“Of course, I’ll be fine. I can handle myself.” she chuckled warmly. Robin didn’t consider them close friends, like Nami and the others, but she was friendly enough, and at least they got along well. Robin also appreciated her thoughtfulness or concern where she showed it. Unlike with Kalifa, who couldn’t care less if Robin were even in the same room. She always got such cold vibes from her. Come to think of it, she and Robin have never really carried on a conversation, let alone a few sentences that were more than politely acknowledging one another.
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few!” she replied, smiling bigger, and a little more toothy, since half her drink had gone missing. As Stussy glided back to the VIP section, Robin turned back to the bar and got Blueno’s attention once he was free from taking other orders for the time being. She ordered a white russian, took her book back out and opened it on the bar to read a few lines while she waited.
Robin was soon interrupted from her book yet again, by someone walking up to her. “Hey,” the stranger addressed her. She braced herself for the burden of politely trying to get him to leave her alone, but when she looked up from her book, all irritation in her body dissipated.
Sitting where Stussy had been, was a handsome young man with a white, spotted beanie, similarly spotted light blue jeans, and a short sleeved black dress-shirt. Robin noticed both of his arms and hands had tattoos. He had a matching set on each of his forearms that resembled what she thought looked like the sun, another strange set of circles on the backs of his hands, and the letters, D-E-A-T-H across each of his fingers. Robin stared at him, wide eyed, losing her train of thought.
He smiled at her with what Robin thought was the most charming of smiles, the way his eyes squinted slightly at her when he did. His eyes. They look kind of silver-y. How beautiful! She blinked rapidly, pulling herself back to reality. She realized he was still speaking to her.
“I said, ‘is this seat taken?’”